Ana Ramirez exuded confidence before the judging of St. Joseph’s Hospital’s annual Mission Baskets event Friday morning.
“We shall see,” said Ana Ramirez from the Lab department. “There is good competition.”
Bragging rights are part of the Christmas fun at this hospital. For 25 years, St. Joe’s employees have packed up baskets full of goodies for families of hospital patients who could not afford gifts.
In recent years, the gifts have required more room than the original baskets offered in 1993.
“For 25 years we’ve had the opportunity to help the community and help people who may not have a Christmas,” said Chris Perry, who helped his facilities services department team erect a giant Ferris wheel bearing gifts in colorful baskets. “To be a part of it is extremely special.”
The gifts are judged by members of the community. The judging determines the winning department. All of the toys will be handed out to families on Saturday.
“I want to tear. I am very touched by the compassion and kindness of our staff,” said Sister Pat Shirley, who started the Mission Baskets initiative 25 years ago while serving as the VP of Missions for all St. Joseph’s hospitals. “So beautiful. So touching.”
The displays, some as small as a few presents and others as large as Ramirez’s walk-in fish tank display, take lots of planning. Beverly Littlejohn, who works in administration, said some departments begin planning the day after each competition ends.
St. Joseph's Hospital 'Mission Baskets' tradition reaches 25th year
“This is the first time our department has been able to complete a big display,” she said. “We’d be okay with second or third [place].”
Her team’s display featured a Bible verse and various jungle animals. The family they sponsored wanted tickets to Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park.
“We’re pretty excited about it,” she said.
Other displays featured beach themes, Spiderman, and LEGO bricks. The main focus was the presents.
“This is all about the opportunity to make other people’s Christmas better,” said wound care department member Phillip Hedley.
Ramirez’s Bioluminescent Christmas display took first prize in the Ginormous display category. Her intuition was correct.
“It makes us feel good,” she said with a smile.
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